Thirst jumps on the vampire train sweeping Hollywood, giving director Park Chan-wook’s take on a vampire tale **** 4 stars

By Jennifer Huber

Kim Ok-vin lights every frame in Thirst

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 7/19/2009 – “I cannot and do not watch horror films,” says Focus Features Thirst director Park Chan-wook. “I scare easily.”

Chan-wook may not like horror, but fans of his films are fans of that genre. Thirst has little suspense, but packs many cringe-inducing moments. As to be expected with any of Chan-wook’s films, blood gushes forth. Be ready to cover your eyes!

Thirst is one of the most unique and satisfying vampire films to date, despite the blood. Thirst is more like Let the Right One In more than like Twilight or Van Helsing. Thirst can’t be contained to popular Westernized vampire myths. Thirst explores vampire lore in a modern day setting.

“There are no bats, no stake through the heart, no fear of garlic and the cross, although there are religious issues embedded in the story,” says Chan-wook. “I like the idea of a vampire as a metaphor for any kind of exploiter.”

Chan-wook, as he often does in his films, places his characters into ethical dilemmas. In Thirst, a priest becomes tainted with blood that makes him a vampire. He must battle his temptation with the seven deadly sins. He’s forced to choose between his needs and the need of the greater good.

Song Kang-ho is the lead character, the young priest. Kang-ho joins Chan-wook for his fourth film and does an excellent job. Song does terrific work showing his inner struggle with his new lifestyle. The heart of the film is two female characters: Kim Ok-vin as Tae-ju and Kim Hae-sook who plays Madame Ra. The priest is drawn to Tae-ju. Madame Ra is her mother-in-law.

Ok-vin lights up every frame. It’s not only her beauty, but by her mere presence. She has such a way about her on the screen. After becoming entangled in a complicated relationship with the priest, Ok-vin transforms from a depressed, mistreated housewife.

Hae-sook as a mean and drunken mother-in-law. She’s cruel to Tae-ju and over indulgent to her sickly son. She’s a frightening force of nature and sometimes comic relief.

Thirst won the Prix du Jury at the 2009 Cannes International Film Festival and is the first Korean feature to be made with U.S. studio investment and distribution. Focus Features co-produced with CJ Entertainment.

Filmed in South Korea, Thirst is a vampire film not to be missed, if you can handle the blood and and discomfort of some scenes. Park Chan-wook develops his characters by creating wordless moments. He has such a unique way of storytelling. A real treat for American audiences.

Thirst
Distributor: Focus Features
Running time: 133 minutes
Release date: July 31, 2009 (limited)
MPAA rating: R for graphic bloody violence, disturbing images, strong sexual content, nudity, and language